Adamson overpowers UE, seize semifinals berth
Adamson University booked a ticket to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball after trampling the University of the East, 66-48, on Wednesday, October 30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
In addition to making it to the Final 4 for the first time since Season 82 (2019), the Lady Falcons solidified their hold on the No. 3 spot of the league standings, improving their slate to 8-3.
“The school will remember you with the legacy you are going to leave. They care about who you are, but it’s about the legacy you’re gonna leave when you leave Adamson,” said Adamson head coach Ryan Monteclaro.
“I know 10 years from now or 15 years from now, they’re gonna look at themselves na we made it despite going to the season ranked seventh or eighth,” he added.
The third quarter saw a pivotal 14-6 run courtesy of Elaine Etanf, Kim Limbago, Cris Padilla, and Cheska Apag, converting a slim 35-31 lead into a 49-37 lead going into the fourth period.
Padilla hit multiple three-pointers in the fourth quarter, increasing the margin to 19 points. Kamba Kone, a center for Malienne, was the only UE scorer during that stretch.
Padilla, the first-ever UAAP girls’ basketball MVP, delivered her greatest performance of the season, scoring 17 points built from the 4-of-7 outside the arc, while also recording three steals, two rebounds, and two assists. Etang’s all-around stat total included 12 markers, seven dimes, four boards, and one deflection.
"To be honest, I'm not really impressed with how we played today. For a team trying to get to that level, you always try to challenge your team. I'm not taking away the fact that UE has a good program, but again, we are looking for the position to get into the Final Four," remarked Monteclaro.
Apag also had a productive game, finishing with nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Kem Adeshina tallied seven markers, seven boards, three deflections, and one dime.
The Lady Falcons’ next assignment is against the undefeated National University on Sunday, November 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Kone led the charge with a double-double output of 18 points and 11 rebounds that went down the drain as the Lady Warriors registered its sixth consecutive loss, leaving them in last place in the eight-team league with a 1-9 record.
The Lady Warriors will try to snap a losing streak against Far Eastern University on Sunday, November 3, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
AdU (66) – Padilla 17, Etang 12, Apag 9, Adeshina 7, E. Alaba 5, Limbago 5, Ornopia 4, Mazo 3, Meniano 2, Agojo 2, Bajo 0, Manlimos 0, A. Alaba 0, Cortez 0, Delos Santos 0, Trabado 0.
UE (48) – Kone 18, Ganade 10, Lacayanga 8, Vacalares 4, Lumibao 4, Buscar 2, Yanez 2, Guillim 0, Cruz 0, Ronquillo 0.
Quarter Scores: 19-8, 31-24, 49-37, 66-48.
